Botox now for your voice: How Mumbai patients with Spasmodic Dysphonia are finding hope

Dr Nupur Kapoor-Nerurkar. PIC/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR

For decades, Botox has been synonymous with cosmetic enhancement, often associated with red carpets and wrinkle-free foreheads. It may come as a surprise that the same injection is also helping people reclaim one of the most basic human abilities - their voice. "Beyond the popular image of Botox lies a powerful medical application that has been transforming the lives of many suffering from Spasmodic Dysphonia. It's a rare neurological disorder that disrupts speech," said Dr Nupur Kapoor-Nerurkar, laryngologist, voice surgeon, and head of voice and swallowing centre at Bombay Hospital.

Case studies

‘How would I teach if I could not speak?'

Ragini Pandey, 54 Hindi Teacher

The problem began in 2006. I wasn't able to speak a few specific words; my lips would move but my voice wouldn't come out.

In 2009, an ENT specialist in Mulund said this is an incurable nerve-related problem. I was devastated. I kept thinking, "How would I continue teaching if I could not speak?"

I was a bit confused when I learnt about Botox treatments for this problem. However, after Dr Kapoor-Nerurkar explained it to me, I agreed. Now, I've been under this treatment for 17 years.

‘For a policeman, his voice is everything'

Uday Mayekar, 52 Policeman

A few years back, I began feeling uncomfortable while talking. For a policeman, his voice is everything. If there is no strength in his voice, no one would fear him. Botox is not a permanent solution, but it is at least a comfortable fix.

However, it's a costly fix. I have to shell out approximately Rs 40,000 a year to get these injections twice. There is no subsidy offered as Botox is an OPD procedure. For the breadwinner of the family, this amount is big.

What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?

Dr Sajid Shaikh, consultant ENT specialist, Saifee Hospital, said, "It is an incurable neurological problem arising from the brain. The vocal cords spasm, and the voice becomes strained and painful. Botox works by temporarily controlled relaxing the muscles. One Botox injection typically lasts around 3-4 months. Bombay Hospital is the only facility in Mumbai which offers this treatment."

What are the symptoms?

>> Change in voice quality
>> Broken voice
>> Strangled sensation while speaking
>> Vocal tremor
>> Pain, tightness in throat

How Botox works

Botox is a neuro toxin used to weaken muscles. This quality becomes useful in relaxing the vocal cords which then helps the person talk comfortably, says Dr Nupur Kapoor-Nerurkar.